Moss

In the book "Create Your Own Japanese Garden" (Motomo Oguchi 2007) there are couple of statements that highlight the importance of the lantern. "the stone lantern in the garden is like a necktie on a man: though it is a relatively small part of the overall attire, it stands out above all else. (1)" and "in my opinion most serious gardeners are diligent students of stone lanterns (2)" In an effort to give my Japanese lantern the look it needs to confirm my status as a serious gardener I have been busy in the kitchen.
Some surfing has suggested that painting the lantern with a blended mixture of butter-milk and moss will encourage moss to grow on the lantern giving it a dignified timeless appearance. These are the steps I followed:

1. Find some suitable moss. There are a couple of different varieties here I found them growing next to the stream and beside the water trough in the horse paddock.










2. Pick out all the stones and dirt and place in the food processor















3. Add some butter milk
























4. Blend until smooth
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   





5. Paint onto the lantern and keep moist